Snack-food giant Mondelez International — whose products include Oreos, Trident gum and Ritz crackers — announced Tuesday it will make all of its packaging recyclable by 2025.

It joins a growing pool of major companies taking environmental initiatives independent and in advance of any government regulation.

Mondelez-branded waste is the fifth most commonly collected plastic in cleanups worldwide, according to a new study by #breakfreefromplastics. Coca Cola, PepsiCo and Nestle topped the list.

Each year, tons of plastics end up in waterways and are then washed into the ocean, where they break down into microparticles and can be ingested by sea animals — and then the humans who eat them.

“Plastic waste and its impact on the planet is a broad, systemic issue that our consumers care deeply about, and which requires a holistic response,” said Mondelez Executive Vice President Rob Hargrove. “Together with partners from across the industry, as well as public and private entities, we can help to develop practical solutions that result in a positive environmental impact.”

In 2014, Procter & Gamble agreed to make 90 percent of its packaging recyclable and Colgate-Palmolive pledged to make packaging recyclable in three of four operating divisions, both by 2020, according to As You Sow, a shareholder advocacy group that pushed Mondelez to make the change.

“In 2017, Unilever agreed to a similar commitment by 2025. In August 2018, KraftHeinz agreed to make all packaging recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2025,” according to the group.

Mondelez said it will work to ensure that packaging is collected and recycled throughout the world. Beside Oreos, Trident and Ritz, its products include Chips Ahoy!, Dentyne, Halls cough drops, Wheat Thins and Triscuit crackers.

As You Sow applauded the announcement but urged Mondelez not to wait until 2025.

“We hope the company can actually achieve this earlier than 2025 as every month seems to bring new findings about the severity of plastic pollution,” said Conrad MacKerron, senior vice president of As You Sow.

Martin Wisckol covers coastal environment and development. Previously, he spent two decades as politics reporter and columnist for the Orange County Register. He’s also held reporting positions in Miami, Jacksonville, Detroit and his hometown of San Diego, with an emphasis on land use and urban planning. He is a lifelong surfer and has spent most of his life on the coast. His work has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Headliner Awards, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, the Florida Press Club and the American Planning Association Florida Chapter.